J's Garden

We came back after a week long trip and everything (including the weeds) was huge. The cucumbers grew quickly while we were away. Surprisingly, the garden with no weeds produced nothing! Maybe No-till gardening IS the way to go! J wants to take more pictures later today.

We finished the Chasubles today!

We finished the chasubles today...and the boys could not wait to pretend to offer Mass with their friends. There were plenty of us in the *pews* as lay people, too.

Ft. McHenry

During the bombardment of Ft. McHenry in 1814 by the British, Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner. We were able to walk around Ft. McHenry and learn about the fort and about the War of 1812.

Valley Forge, PA

Joseph had an appointment at CHOP in Philadelphia last week, so we stopped by Valley Forge on the way home. After Washington crossed the Delaware river and won battles at Trenton and Princeton, the Continental Army stayed the winter in Valley Forge. Until suitable cabins were built for the soldiers, Washington himself stayed in a tent. It took the soldiers one month to build 1,000 cabins. Valley Forge was picked because it was close enough to keep an eye on the British troops in Philadelphia, yet far enough away to prevent a surprise attack.

Below is a picture of Washington's headquarters once the troops had cabins. This house was rented from its owner while the troops were encamped at Valley Forge.



Joseph reading the plaque on the General Anthony Wayne Statue.

The guard houses for Washington's headquarters.


Talking with the actors around the cabins.

Earthworks around Valley Forge. The top picture shows one of the original earthworks from the time of the encampment at Valley Forge.
Monument dedicated in 1917 to the soldiers at Valley Forge.


Inside the cabins (reproduction)